Criminal offenses under state and federal laws are generally categorized by the seriousness of the crime as felonies (more serious) or misdemeanors (less serious). Felonies are offenses that generally may result in prison sentences of more than one year, and misdemeanors carry sentences of one year or less. The United States Congress sets the penalties for all federal criminal offenses, and thus decides which criminal offenses are felonies and which are misdemeanors. And the state legislature in each state decides which criminal offenses are felonies and which are misdemeanors under state law.

In Washington State, criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, aligning with the general distinction used across the United States. Felonies in Washington are serious crimes that can result in imprisonment for more than one year, and they are further classified into classes A, B, and C, with Class A being the most serious. Misdemeanors in Washington are less serious offenses and are punishable by up to 90 days in jail for a simple misdemeanor or up to one year for a gross misdemeanor. The Washington State Legislature determines the classification of state offenses and the corresponding penalties. For federal offenses, the United States Congress establishes the classifications and penalties, determining which crimes are felonies and misdemeanors at the federal level. The penalties for federal crimes are often outlined in the United States Code and can vary significantly based on the nature and severity of the offense.